Clara (Coleman) Mahler

Clara (Clare) Mahler, aged 102, died peacefully on May 20 at the Willow Brook Christian Communities facility in Columbus. Clare grew up in Shelby, Ohio as one of 11 children of Bertha and Jack Coleman. Her first job was in 1937 typing newly issued Social Security cards, before she moved to Cincinnati to attend Good Samaritan Nursing School. Clare was a proud United States Navy veteran, having served during World War II as a Registered Nurse and was honorably discharged as an Ensign. She also worked at The Ohio State University Student Health Department for many years. In Cincinnati, Clare met Robert, the love of her life and husband of 66 years, then they settled in Columbus. She is preceded in death by Robert, great grandson Rowan Sherman, her parents, and eight siblings. She is survived by children Marilyn (Dan), Jane (Frank), Bob (Debbie), Paul (Susan), Joe (Diana), Alice, Bill, and Chris (Beth), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Jeanne Panuncialman, brother Paul Coleman, and brother-in-law Joseph Prada. Clare’s family and her deep faith were important to her, and she often cared for relatives in distress with generosity and compassion. Clare instilled a strong appreciation of education in us and realized her dream of attending almost every grandchild’s graduation. She remained joyful and optimistic even as her health declined. Visitation will be at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home at 4661 Kenny Road on Wednesday, May 25 from 4 to 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be at Immaculate Conception Church on Thursday, May 26 at 10:30 AM with burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Our family thanks the Willow Brook Aides and Nurses who provided loving care to our mother. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Immaculate Conception Church in Columbus or the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Clare’s memory.

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